Saeed Farahani’s Blog

  • Home Financing Tips for First-Time Buyers

    Buying your first home requires careful financial planning. Key mortgage terms include principal, interest, amortization, and equity. Mortgage types include fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and government-backed loans. Preparation involves assessing financial health, saving for a down payment, and budgeting for extra costs. First-time buyers should get pre-approved, understand options, and negotiate terms. Specialized loans exist for low-income,…

  • Is Vancouver Real Estate Entering a Buyer’s Market?

    Is Vancouver Real Estate Entering a Buyer’s Market?

    Vancouver home sales ↓ 18.5% yearly in May to 2,228 transactions. May sales were ↓ 30.5% below the 10-year seasonal avg. New listings ↑ 3.9% to 6,620 in May, ↑ 9.3% above the 10-year avg. Total active listings hit 17,094, ↑ 25.7% yearly — the healthiest inventory in years. Avg days on market increased, with…

  • Metro Vancouver Rents Fall Nearly 6% in Mid-Q2

    Metro Vancouver Rents Fall Nearly 6% in Mid-Q2

    Slide 1 Metro Vancouver rents dropped 5.9% in May 2025, averaging $2,830—Canada’s largest monthly decline. Slide 2 Shared rent prices in Metro Vancouver fell nearly 10%, the biggest drop nationwide in that category.

  • How to Know if a Home Fits Your Lifestyle?

    How to Know if a Home Fits Your Lifestyle?

    Research local schools even if you don’t have kids — they influence home values. Consider internet availability and speed, especially for remote work or streaming needs.

  • Op-Ed: A Return to Real Estate 101 — Resetting Expectations For Multifamily Housing

    The condo markets in Toronto and Vancouver have slowed, leading developers to shift toward purpose-built rentals amid economic uncertainty and tighter lending policies. Key strategies include opting for long-term loans to lock in rates, early rate locks to avoid volatility, and adopting an operator mindset focused on tenant needs. Early lender engagement is crucial to…

  • Vancouver’s Developers Pivot: Rentals Replace Condos Fast

    Vancouver’s Developers Pivot: Rentals Replace Condos Fast

    Vancouver’s condo market has cooled significantly since the peak in mid-2022.Condo apartment sales in Vancouver dropped 37% by Q1 2025

  • Vancouver Mayor Explores 0% Property Tax Hike for 2026

    Vancouver Mayor Explores 0% Property Tax Hike for 2026

    Vancouver Mayor has directed staff to draft a 2026 budget with property tax increase scenarios as low as 0%. Critics warn this could lead to service cuts, with calls for more transparency on potential tradeoffs.

  • Vancouver Sellers Facing Bids 15% Below Asking

    Vancouver Sellers Facing Bids 15% Below Asking

    Metro Vancouver home prices may dip slightly in 2025 amid buyer caution and economic uncertainty. April home sales rose only 34%, far below the decade average 79% seasonal increase.

  • BC Commits $775M to Housing While Vancouver Condos Sit Empty

    Metro Vancouver faces a projected 3,500 unsold condos by 2025 amid a deep housing affordability crisis. Despite over 33,000 housing starts in 2023, pre-sale activity is low, leading to growing unsold inventory. The BC government is investing $775 million to build 4,600 rental homes, but concerns remain about housing market stability and affordability. Housing remains…

  • A Comprehensive Guide to Bad Credit Mortgages for Homeowners

    Homeowners in British Columbia facing bad credit can still find suitable mortgage solutions despite challenges. Bad credit mortgages provide opportunities for financing, competitive rates, and the potential to improve credit scores. Options include high-ratio mortgages, private loans, and government-backed programs. To enhance chances of securing a mortgage, homeowners should review their credit reports, improve their…

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